Best Phono You've Heard Under $2200

Anyone heard the Aurorasound Vida? Rothwell Rialto?

just curious

A friend has a Darlington MP-7 and really likes it.  US made with user specific options.  Probably in the 1K range.

I mean, if I can find a Herron at $2200 I would probably go for it. I really only need the MM section anyway. There's one on the 'bay for $2k but it looks kind of rough and the seller can't guarantee it works.

Keep an eye out for a used Fosgate Signature preamp. I have one and compared it to a K&K Maxxed Out and an Allnic 1201 and it beat em both.

Oz

Allnic H1201 or H1202

I owned both and felt either was pretty much on par with the much-beloved (and rightfully so) Herron VTPH-2, which I also owned for a good while. It will be difficult to find the Herron at your price point, but you should be able to find one of the Allnics with a little patience.

In that price range I would look for a used Aesthetix Rhea

There are several units-tube/SS listed  in your price range. Even if a unit is a couple bucks more, you can always negotiate.  Pick a few models and research 

A new $5K unit 3+ years old, now used is only worth HALF

Goldnote, Parasound, Rogue, Aurorasound, Manley,Cyrus Icon Audio... plenty of choices 

Lindemann Limetree Phono.

I have an SPL Phonos that I like but I'm interested in the ones mentioned above.I wonder how much better it can get going into my Octave V70 Class A?

The Nova is quite good, super quiet and hyper linear. The mentioned Manley and Gold Note are great. The Gold Note makes loading and EQ changes dope simple. Stretch and find a Herron IF you can.Also IF you don't need a ton of gain, a Croft RIAA is a fantastic tube unit from the UK. A sleeper SS unit is the Chord....also easy top/front panel changes...

Just a little over your budget new - Manley Chinook.

Gold Note PH-10. Very musical and extremely flexible. Great piece.

Musical Surroundings nova III and Parasound JC3 jr.  Auditioned both before really streching my budget and getting the Herron VTPH-2A.  I would have been happy with either, but much happier with the Herron.

Robert Grodinsky Research RGR 4. Both its phono and high level stages are exemplary in sonic quality. His former company was RG Dynamics - pro audio. An earlier version of this preamp was called the Dimension 3. The Model 4 is even better!